Camping near Penrith
Penrith unlocks easy access to Blue Mountain bush camping and caravan sites.
- Penrith
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Camping near Penrith guide
Overview
A city on the far western edge of the greater Sydney metropolitan area, Penrith is a handy place to camp to stay near Sydney but away from the thick of the urban centre. It’s also a prime home base for exploring the Blue Mountains, as it sits right at their feet. Penrith is home to well-equipped holiday parks with a range of facilities, most of which can accommodate both caravan campers and tent campers. Further camping options can be found throughout the nearby Blue Mountains National Park.
Where to go
Sydney’s National Parks
Less than an hour’s drive from Penrith, it goes without saying that Sydney offers a huge range of cultural opportunities. Campers staying near Penrith can head into Sydney to visit the Royal National Park and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park—from there, it’s up to you whether you’d prefer to retreat to the quieter atmosphere of Penrith for your night under the stars or find a campsite within one of these national parks.
Blue Mountains National Park
Penrith sits on the plains right on the edge of Blue Mountains National Park, and it’s a short drive up into the mountains. There are many campsites dotted throughout the park, many of which offer basic services to tent campers and backpackers arriving on foot. These are generally equipped with toilets, barbecue facilities, and picnic tables, but you’ll need to bring your own drinking water. Some campsites are free, or simply require the payment of a modest booking fee.
Nattai National Park
About 90 minutes’ drive south of Penrith, Nattai National Park is popular for its hiking trails and backpack camping opportunities. Several camping trails run throughout the park with designated spots for self-sufficient campers to pitch a tent. Nattai is an especially great detour for roadtrippers wanting to go backcountry camping—the park sits within easy reach of Penrith and Sydney, just off the main road southwest to Canberra and Victoria.
When to go
The greater Sydney area experiences hot, humid summers, cool winters, and warm spring and autumn seasons. Penrith is in Western Sydney, which can typically reach a few degrees hotter than coastal areas in the summer. However, it’s right beside the Blue Mountains, which have a colder climate, so can be a good retreat when the weather’s hot on the plains. For outdoor activities and backpack camping, spring and autumn are the best times to visit.
